Sunset Memorial Gardens

Review: I was contacted by an employee of Sunset Memorial Gardens. They called my home number and left a message. I called them back and had to leave a message. I was called again. An employee told me that they were being audited and that I needed to come in complete privacy paperwork and sign a form. I called them back and asked if I could handle the issue over the phone. I told them it was not a good time for me and I was very busy, and I asked if they could fax me the paperwork for me to complete. I was told NO, I would need to come in person for a meeting. When I told them again, I was very busy, they proceeded to tell me if I could not come in that week, I could come in next week, etc. I agreed to go meet with them, which means I had to ask my employee for time off from work to do so. The same day of the appointment, I called asking again if there was a way I could handle this matter over the phone. I asked them what needed to be completed. They told me emergency contacts, they needed to give me a copy of the deed, a map, etc. I asked them if they could look at my file and read to me the list of emergency contacts, so I could speed up the process. I was told my file was on someone's desk, etc. I went to Sunset Memorial. The meeting began by the person asking me where I worked. Then, she asked me to verify my address and phone numbers. Then she pulled a sheet and told me who my emergency contacts were. I told her those were correct. Then she asked me if I had a copy of my deed. I said yes. She asked me if I needed a map of the lot. Now, why would I need these things after having my relative buried there for 14 years. ??????????????????????????????????? Then she asked me if I had a Family Planning Guide and held one up. I said yes, I have one. Then she asked me if I had my own lot. I said is this a sales pitch? She just looked at me. I told her that I wasn't interested in buying a lot. I told her that I would like to have the name and contact number of the auditor that was requiring me to come in and sign paperwork. She said that she was new and didn't have that information. I told her I was not pleased with being made to come in under false pretenses. I told her it was sad that they would use someone's loved ones as an excuse to make individuals come in. She asked me if I was going to sign a paper. I told her no way! I told her I was very unhappy. In fact - I was angry. I told her I was not pleased. I told her God was not pleased with the way they were running their place of business. I left and called back 5 minutes later and asked to speak to the employee I had just met with. I was told I could and then I was told she was with a family. I find that very hard to believe when she had 30 minutes to an hour set aside to meet with me. I asked the employee on the phone if I could speak to a [redacted]. I was told there was no [redacted] available. That they work for a corporation. I asked that person if they had the number to the auditor. And of course, she said she didn't have the number either. She told me the name of the company that owns Sunset Memorial Gardens.

I think this is a scam and a disservice to the individuals who come to these people at their lowest hour after having lost a family member. I think they are burying enough people without resorting to these tactics.

I also think they need to be investigated because I am sure they have taken advantage of some poor individual who didn’t' have their records or the courage to not be bullied into buying a lot they didn’t need.

Shame on Sunset Memorial Gardens!!!!Desired Settlement: An apolgoy, for them to admit this was not something they are required to do by an auditor, and for them to stop - cease - stop this policy immediately.

I also want them to never contact me again after I get a much deserved apology.

What is the world coming to???

Business

Response:

Sunset Memorial Park called [redacted] to review her file at Sunset and make sure everything was correct in her file and to have her sign a privacy release form stating who could release information to in the event of a death or an emergency. We do not do the reviews over the phone because we do have the customer sign the review and privacy release. We cannot make families come in to review and fill out these forms but we have found that it does help the families and relieves some stress when a loved one needs to be laid to rest.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

I am not satisfied with Sunset Memorial Gardens’ comment. They said that they called me to review my file to make sure everything was correct in my file and to have me sign a privacy release form stating who they could release information to in the event of death or emergency.